Rachel V Thomas

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Russia Plague Scare: What Black Death and Anthrax Outbreaks Teach Us About Lab Safety

The suspected <span>pneumonic plague</span> case in <span>Russia</span> has revived memories of the <span>Black Death</span> and the 1979 Sverdlovsk <span>anthrax</span> outbreak.

While Russia has denied any plague outbreak, the death of a young laboratory worker and reports of nearly 200 people being placed under medical observation have raised questions about laboratory safety and what may have happened.

Moscow told the World Health Organization (WHO) that no plague cases have been detected in Irkutsk and that the deceased woman’s contacts tested negative for dangerous pathogens. COVID-19 and rhinovirus were detected in some people under observation.

<h2>Russia Says No Plague Cases Detected</h2>

Russian authorities told the WHO that there was “no case of this dangerous disease” in Irkutsk, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said at a Geneva briefing.

Russia also said contacts of the deceased tested negative for dangerous infectious pathogens.

The circumstances of the death have nevertheless raised questions about laboratory safety and possible pathogen exposure.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/russia-plague-scare-could-it-trigger-a-new-pandemic-experts-explain-article-156278648" data-type="tilCustomLink">Russia Plague Scare: Could It Trigger A New Pandemic? Experts Explain</a>

<h2>From Black Death to Pneumonic Plague</h2>

The Black Death swept across Eurasia and North Africa between 1346 and 1353, killing an estimated 30% to 60% of Europe’s population.

It was caused by Yersinia pestis, the same bacterium responsible for plague today. The pandemic was primarily associated with bubonic plague, although pneumonic plague also occurred.

Bubonic plague is mainly spread through infected flea bites, while pneumonic plague affects the lungs and can spread between people through respiratory droplets during close contact. Modern antibiotics can treat plague, particularly when given early.

<h2>The 1979 Sverdlovsk Anthrax Outbreak</h2>

The circumstances surrounding the Russian lab worker’s death have also revived memories of the anthrax outbreak in Sverdlovsk, then part of the Soviet Union, in April and May 1979.

Soviet authorities initially blamed contaminated meat, while US officials attributed the outbreak to anthrax spores accidentally released from a military microbiology facility.

The distribution of human and animal cases along a path extending from the facility was consistent with an airborne release.

The incident remains an important example of the consequences of an accidental biological-agent release.

<h2>Why Has the Russia Case Raised Questions?</h2>

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/russia-plague-scare-is-pneumonic-plague-deadlier-than-bubonic-septicemic-plague-article-156285306" data-type="tilCustomLink">Russia Plague Scare: Is Pneumonic Plague Deadlier Than Bubonic &amp; Septicemic Plague?</a>

The cause of the laboratory worker’s death and the circumstances of any possible exposure remain unclear.

The reported quarantine of nearly 200 people has also raised questions about the scale of the response.

Dr. <span>Ashish Jha</span>, former dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, said the case had raised several “red flags.”

He questioned whether a laboratory worker handling plague would have been vaccinated or received antibiotics promptly after a suspected exposure, and why so many people were placed under quarantine.

<span>Jha</span> also pointed to Russia’s history of biological weapons research and expressed concern about the lack of information from Russian authorities.

There is currently no evidence, however, that the death was linked to a biological weapons programme or that a laboratory leak occurred.

<h2>How Safe Are Plague Laboratories?</h2>

Javier Pizarro-Cerda, head of the Yersinia Research Unit at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, told CNBC that he was “very surprised” by the reported death because laboratories handling plague generally use strict protective measures.

“You work with a full body suit. You work with masks. You work with gloves. So even if you break a tube, normally you should be protected,” he said.

Pizarro-Cerda also said Russia has a plague vaccine, although he described its protection as low and transient compared with standards elsewhere.

Pizarro-Cerda said plague testing can be performed rapidly and that an autopsy should provide evidence if the woman had pulmonary plague.

The laboratory worker reportedly died on October 2, giving authorities several days to conduct diagnostic tests.

Still, there is no confirmation that pneumonic plague caused her death or that a laboratory accident occurred.

Key questions remain whether Yersinia pestis was detected, whether there was evidence of laboratory exposure, and whether genetic testing can establish the source of any infection.

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The suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia has revived memories of the Black Death and the 1979 Sverdlovsk anthrax outbreak.While Russia has denied any plague outbreak, the death of a young laboratory worker and reports of nearly 200 people being placed under medical observation have raised questions about laboratory safety and what may have happened.Moscow told the World Health Organization (WHO) that no plague cases have been detected in Irkutsk and that the deceased woman’s contacts tested negative for dangerous pathogens. COVID-19 and rhinovirus were detected in some people under observation.Russia Says No Plague Cases DetectedRussian authorities told the WHO that there was “no case of this dangerous disease” in Irkutsk, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said at a Geneva briefing.Russia also said contacts of the deceased tested negative for dangerous infectious pathogens.The circumstances of the death have nevertheless raised questions about laboratory safety and possible pathogen exposure.Also read: Russia Plague Scare: Could It Trigger A New Pandemic? Experts ExplainFrom Black Death to Pneumonic PlagueThe Black Death swept across Eurasia and North Africa between 1346 and 1353, killing an estimated 30% to 60% of Europe’s population.It was caused by Yersinia pestis, the same bacterium responsible for plague today. The pandemic was primarily associated with bubonic plague, although pneumonic plague also occurred.Bubonic plague is mainly spread through infected flea bites, while pneumonic plague affects the lungs and can spread between people through respiratory droplets during close contact. Modern antibiotics can treat plague, particularly when given early.The 1979 Sverdlovsk Anthrax OutbreakThe circumstances surrounding the Russian lab worker’s death have also revived memories of the anthrax outbreak in Sverdlovsk, then part of the Soviet Union, in April and May 1979.Soviet authorities initially blamed contaminated meat, while US officials attributed the outbreak to anthrax spores accidentally released from a military microbiology facility.The distribution of human and animal cases along a path extending from the facility was consistent with an airborne release.The incident remains an important example of the consequences of an accidental biological-agent release.Why Has the Russia Case Raised Questions?Read More: Russia Plague Scare: Is Pneumonic Plague Deadlier Than Bubonic & Septicemic Plague?The cause of the laboratory worker’s death and the circumstances of any possible exposure remain unclear.The reported quarantine of nearly 200 people has also raised questions about the scale of the response.Dr. Ashish Jha, former dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, said the case had raised several “red flags.”He questioned whether a laboratory worker handling plague would have been vaccinated or received antibiotics promptly after a suspected exposure, and why so many people were placed under quarantine.Jha also pointed to Russia’s history of biological weapons research and expressed concern about the lack of information from Russian authorities.There is currently no evidence, however, that the death was linked to a biological weapons programme or that a laboratory leak occurred.How Safe Are Plague Laboratories?Javier Pizarro-Cerda, head of the Yersinia Research Unit at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, told CNBC that he was “very surprised” by the reported death because laboratories handling plague generally use strict protective measures.“You work with a full body suit. You work with masks. You work with gloves. So even if you break a tube, normally you should be protected,” he said.Pizarro-Cerda also said Russia has a plague vaccine, although he described its protection as low and transient compared with standards elsewhere.What Could Confirm Plague?Pizarro-Cerda said plague testing can be performed rapidly and that an autopsy should provide evidence if the woman had pulmonary plague.The laboratory worker reportedly died on October 2, giving authorities several days to conduct diagnostic tests.Still, there is no confirmation that pneumonic plague caused her death or that a laboratory accident occurred.Key questions remain whether Yersinia pestis was detected, whether there was evidence of laboratory exposure, and whether genetic testing can establish the source of any infection.

russia plague scare: what black death and anthrax outbreaks teach us about lab safety

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